10 Reasons Why You Should Definitely Go to the Fair

A Labor Day weekend tradition for families across the country, state and county fairs are just as amazing as they ever were. The aroma of fried everything mixed with manure and burning oil, the shout of carnival workers trying to goad passers by into trying their luck at a game that's undoubtedly unable to be won, the rows of booths selling lethal doses of sugar and batter. Who doesn't love the fair?

The Puget Sound area may not be huge on Americana or nostalgic events, but damned if we don't have a handful of fairs that are gearing up for their best weekend of the year in the next few days. And believe you me: they are still super-fun, and, regardless of your age, number (or lack) of offspring, or tax bracket, you should definitely consider attending one.

Here are 10 reasons why fairs are still totally awesome:

1. Opportunity to dress nostalgically. Hipsters, let's be real. You know you'd love nothing more than to wear your opulent seersucker suit or Betty-Draper-Goes-to-the-Hamptons pintuck frock. What's a better time to put on your Sunday best than an old fashioned day at the fair?
2. Cheap food. We're all a little food cart crazed these days, but fairs have been schlepping food around on four wheels since before you were even a consideration in the world.
3. A chance to be out in the sun/out of the city. Indoor guilt is a big problem in the area. When you blow a whole day inside, you feel like a shameful, dirty person. The fair puts you outside and off the Hill. Get out, already!
4. Rides. Ok, plenty of people go to the fair and don't do the whole "rides" thing, but really, you're getting older and you need a little adrenaline rush. Or you can opt for the more romantic option of a Ferris Wheel with your sweetie. Either way, it's worth a little bit of your walking around money.
5. Animals. Are you a terrible person? No? Then you must love to look at and pet barn animals.
6. Swag. Many vendors give away free stuff. Water bottles, pens, stress relieving balls...you could outfit an entire office with swag from the fair.
7. Photo ops. We're tired of seeing your iPhone photos of the Public Market sign and Space Needle. Take some photos of laughing children or a carousel, instead.
8. Exhibits. When outside gets to be overwhelming, mosey into the pavilion (and the past) to examine the various crafts, jams, vegetables and other items up for judgement.
9. Supporting a long-time tradition. Listen, dolls and clowns and other items of yore are slowly falling off the map. The Oxford English Dictionary even removed "cassette tape." Don't let fairs fall by the wayside!
10. You can drink. You probably didn't know this, because you were eight the last time you went, but most fairs have a beer garden or somewhere to get wine or something.